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MAC is one of the most popular makeup brands in the world. They offer all sorts of makeup, from lipsticks to nail polishes and beyond. However, many people wonder whether MAC products are cruelty-free or not.
We will answer some questions about MAC’s policy on animal testing to help you decide if this brand is right for you. Also, you can check out vegan alternatives which help conscious beauty lovers to enjoy high-quality cosmetics.
Cruelty-free and vegan alternatives
MAC Cosmetics is a world-renowned cosmetics brand that offers a wide range of products, from foundations to lipsticks. The company has been criticized for its use of animal testing and for its use of ingredients that are not vegan-friendly.
Fortunately, there are now many MAC Cosmetics alternatives that are cruelty-free and vegan. Some of the best options include the following:
Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara | - Volumizing and lengthening; - The brush is designed to coat each lash evenly from root to tip; - Suitable for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. |
Gabriel Cosmetics Lipstick | - Provides full coverage with a creamy matte finish; - Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates; - Long-lasting formula. |
PIXI Large Lash Mascara | - Large brush head for even coverage; - Water-resistant; - Infused with vitamin E and Panthenol. |
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation | - Long-lasting; - Natural matte finish; - Infused with rosehip oil and vitamin E. |
About MAC
MAC stands for Make-up Art Cosmetics. It is a cosmetic company based in Toronto, Canada. The brand was founded by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo in 1984.
The brand offers various kinds of cosmetics such as lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadow palettes, and so on. The most popular product of MAC is their signature line: Viva Glam.
MAC cosmetics are sold in every country around the world, and they have an enormous number of fans worldwide. However, many people still wonder whether MAC products are cruelty-free or not.
Is MAC cruelty-free?
MAC is not a cruelty-free brand. This means that the company tests its products on animals. MAC is one of the few brands that still test on animals to sell their products in countries where animal testing is required by law.
In addition, MAC is owned by Estee Lauder, a parent company that is not cruelty-free.
MAC animal testing policy
Below is the statement found on MAC Cosmetics’ website:
“M·A·C is a company that does not test its products on animals and has never asked others to do so for them. They have been an active part of the movement to end all forms of cruelty against fullest animal testing around the world, partnering up IIVS (Institute For In Vitro Sciences) which helps expand-animal methods to use more widely. However, some governments conduct animal testing to prove safety before they will allow us to sell our products.”
This confirms that MAC is not cruelty-free.
Is MAC vegan?
MAC is not a vegan brand. Some of their products do contain animal-derived ingredients, such as lanolin and beeswax. For example, the MAC Viva Glam Taraji lipstick contains lanolin, and the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation contains beeswax.
Is MAC sold in China?
Yes, MAC is sold in China. This country is known for its animal testing policies, which means that any brand that sells products in China is required to test on animals.
This means that, unfortunately, MAC is not cruelty-free. Although the brand does have a policy against animal testing, it cannot be enforced in China.
Is MAC owned by a parent brand? If yes, is it cruelty-free?
MAC is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that sells cosmetics and perfume products. The company is not cruelty-free. Estée Lauder has been caught several times testing on animals and they are not actively fighting for the ban of animal testing.
A detailed review of the best alternatives
Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara
Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara is a volumizing and lengthening mascara that gives you natural-looking lashes. The brush is designed to coat each lash evenly from root to tip.
This mascara is perfect for those who want to achieve a natural look with their lashes. The brush ensures that each lash is coated evenly, making your lashes look fuller and longer.
This mascara is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Gabriel Cosmetics Lipstick
Gabriel Cosmetics Lipstick is a classic lipstick that provides full coverage with a creamy matte finish. This richly pigmented lipstick is made with natural ingredients and is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Also, unlike many other lipsticks on the market, Gabriel Cosmetics Lipstick is vegan and cruelty-free. This lipstick comes in a variety of colors that will suit any skin tone, and it can be easily applied with its built-in applicator.
Whether you’re looking for long-lasting lipstick for a special occasion or an everyday lipstick that will give you a boost of confidence, Gabriel Cosmetics Lipstick is a perfect choice.
PIXI Large Lash Mascara
PIXI Large Lash Mascara is a volumizing and lengthening mascara that delivers big, bold lashes.
The large brush head coats the lash evenly with a jet black, water-resistant formula to create a dramatic look that lasts all day. This award-winning mascara is also infused with vitamin E and Panthenol to condition and strengthen lashes.
In addition, this mascara is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, and safe for contact lens wearers. Cruelty-free and formulated without parabens and sulfates.
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation is full coverage, long-lasting foundation that conceals imperfections and evens out the skin tone. This foundation has a natural matte finish and is buildable to create a flawless complexion. The formula is infused with rosehip oil and vitamin E to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation is ideal for normal to oily skin types. It can be used with a damp beauty sponge or brush for a seamless application.
Also, this foundation is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens.
Summary
MAC is a brand that is popular among many people, but is it cruelty-free?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. MAC does not test on animals during the development of its products, but the company does sell in China where animal testing is required by law for certain types of cosmetics.
MAC is also not a vegan brand, as they do use animal-derived ingredients in some of their products. If you are looking for an animal-free option, there are vegan alternatives that you can try.
FAQ
🔍 Is MAC certified cruelty-free?
No. The brand is not a member of the Leaping Bunny Program or any other similar initiative that requires companies to be fully transparent about their animal testing policy and to ban it as much as possible.
🌱 Is MAC vegan?
No. The brand does not offer any products that are 100% vegan-friendly due to the use of animal-derived ingredients. Check out vegan alternatives – our list of cruelty-free vegan cosmetics.
🇨🇳 Does MAC sell in China?
Yes. The brand has a physical presence in mainland China.
🐇 What are MAC’s animal testing policies?
The company tests on animals when required by law. This means that their products are not considered cruelty-free in countries where animal testing is mandatory, such as China.